U.S. patent application number 16/760802 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-17 for stump grinder chip chute device and system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Leonardi Manufacturing Co., Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Leonardi Manufacturing Co., Inc.. Invention is credited to Joseph A. Leonardi.
Application Number | 20210176927 16/760802 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005476652 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210176927 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Leonardi; Joseph A. |
June 17, 2021 |
STUMP GRINDER CHIP CHUTE DEVICE AND SYSTEM
Abstract
A chip chute system structured and/or configured to capture
chips cut from a stump by a stump grinding/cutting wheel, harness
the energy in the cut chip imparted by the stump grinding wheel,
and control/direct the cut chips to a desired chip collection
location such as a bin or other collection receptacle.
Inventors: |
Leonardi; Joseph A.;
(Auburn, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Leonardi Manufacturing Co., Inc. |
Weedsport |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Leonardi Manufacturing Co.,
Inc.
Weedsport
NY
|
Family ID: |
1000005476652 |
Appl. No.: |
16/760802 |
Filed: |
October 31, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
October 31, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2018/058393 |
371 Date: |
April 30, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62579662 |
Oct 31, 2017 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65G 11/126 20130101;
A01G 23/067 20130101; B02C 18/2216 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01G 23/06 20060101
A01G023/06; B02C 18/22 20060101 B02C018/22; B65G 11/12 20060101
B65G011/12 |
Claims
1. An chip chute system, comprising: an elongated chute
positionable in spaced relation and at least partially around a
stump grinding wheel and comprising a proximal portion and a distal
portion defining a passageway positioned therethrough; wherein at
least one of the proximal portion and the distal portion is movable
with respect to the other.
2. The chip chute system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the
proximal portion and the distal portion is angularly pivotable with
respect to the other.
3. The chip chute system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the
proximal portion and the distal portion is at least partially
slidable within the other.
4. The chip chute system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the
proximal portion and the distal portion is rotatable with respect
to the other.
5. The chip chute system of claim 1, further comprising a middle
portion positioned between the proximal portion and the distal
portion, wherein the middle portion is moveable with respect to at
least one of the proximal portion and the distal portion or at
least one of the proximal portion and the distal portion is
moveable with respect to the middle portion.
6. The chip chute system of claim 5, wherein the middle portion is
pivotable with respect to at least one of the proximal portion and
the distal portion or at least one of the proximal portion and the
distal portion is pivotable with respect to the middle portion.
7. The chip chute system of claim 5, wherein the middle portion is
slidable within at least one of the proximal portion and the distal
portion or at least one of the proximal portion and the distal
portion is slidable within the middle portion.
8. The chip chute system of claim 5, wherein the middle portion is
rotatable with respect to at least one of the proximal portion and
the distal portion or at least one of the proximal portion and the
distal portion is rotatable with respect to the middle portion.
9. A stump grinding wheel and chip chute system, comprising: a
stump grinding wheel with a central longitudinal axis positioned
therethrough; an elongated chute positioned in spaced relation and
at least partially around a stump grinding wheel and comprising a
proximal portion and a distal portion defining a passageway
positioned therethrough; wherein at least one of the proximal
portion and the distal portion is movable with respect to the
other.
10. The stump grinding wheel and chip chute system of claim 9,
further comprising a stump cutting tooth assembly attached to a
side or a perimeter portion of the stump grinding wheel.
11. The stump grinding wheel and chip chute system of claim 9,
wherein at least one of the proximal portion and the distal portion
is angularly pivotable with respect to the other.
12. The stump grinding wheel and chip chute system of claim 9,
wherein at least one of the proximal portion and the distal portion
is at least partially slidable within the other.
13. The stump grinding wheel and chip chute system of claim 9,
wherein at least one of the proximal portion and the distal portion
is rotatable with respect to the other.
14. The stump grinding wheel and chip chute system of claim 9,
further comprising a middle portion positioned between the proximal
portion and the distal portion, wherein the middle portion is
moveable with respect to at least one of the proximal portion and
the distal portion or at least one of the proximal portion and the
distal portion is moveable with respect to the middle portion.
15. The stump grinding wheel and chip chute system of claim 14,
wherein the middle portion is pivotable with respect to at least
one of the proximal portion and the distal portion or at least one
of the proximal portion and the distal portion is pivotable with
respect to the middle portion.
16. The stump grinding wheel and chip chute system of claim 14,
wherein the middle portion is slidable within at least one of the
proximal portion and the distal portion or at least one of the
proximal portion and the distal portion is slidable within the
middle portion.
17. The stump grinding wheel and chip chute system of claim 14,
wherein the middle portion is rotatable with respect to at least
one of the proximal portion and the distal portion or at least one
of the proximal portion and the distal portion is rotatable with
respect to the middle portion.
18. The stump grinding wheel and chip chute system of claim 9,
wherein a proximal end of the proximal portion has an opening with
a cross sectional area larger than a cross sectional area of the
passageway positioned distally to the opening.
19. The stump grinding wheel and chip chute system of claim 9,
wherein a proximal end of the proximal portion is positioned below
a midpoint plane of the stump grinding wheel.
20. The stump grinding wheel and chip chute system of claim 19,
wherein a proximal end of the proximal portion is positioned at
least 3/4 of a radius of the stump grinding wheel below a midpoint
plane of the stump grinding wheel.
21. The stump grinding wheel and chip chute system of claim 9,
wherein the elongated chute is connected to the stump grinding
wheel such that it can move with respect to the stump grinding
wheel.
22. The stump grinding wheel and chip chute system of claim 21,
wherein the elongated chute is connected to the stump grinding
wheel via at least one bar such that the elongated chute can pivot
at least partially around the stump grinding wheel.
23. The stump grinding wheel and chip chute system of claim 9,
wherein a proximal end of the proximal portion has an opening
positioned in a plane that is perpendicular to the travel of a wood
chip when the system is in use.
24. The stump grinding wheel and chip chute system of claim 23,
wherein the opening of the proximal portion is positioned between 0
inches and 5 inches from a chip exiting a cut by the stump grinding
wheel when in use.
25. The stump grinding wheel and chip chute system of claim 10,
wherein the at least one stump cutting tooth assembly comprises a
tooth cutting length and is positioned within a distance as
measured by the tooth cutting length from an interior surface of
the elongated chute.
26. The stump grinding wheel and chip chute system of claim 9,
wherein the positioning of the elongated chute around the stump
grinding wheel is configured to create a boundary layer of cut
material on an interior surface of the elongated chute to maintain
at least some of the energy of the cut material imparted by the
stump grinding wheel within the passageway.
27. The stump grinding wheel and chip chute system of claim 9,
wherein a proximal end of the proximal portion includes a guard
comprising at least one sided flap configured to catch and direct
chips into the elongated chute.
28. The stump grinding wheel and chip chute system of claim 27,
wherein the guard is flexible.
29. The stump grinding wheel and chip chute system of claim 28,
wherein the guard is rigid.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 62/579662, filed on Oct. 31, 2017 and entitled
"Stump Grinder Chip Chute Device and System."
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to stump
grinders/cutters. More particularly, the present disclosure relates
to stump grinder chip chute devices and systems for capturing chips
cut from a stump by a stump grinding/cutting wheel, harnessing the
energy in the cut chip imparted by the stump grinding wheel, and
controlling/directing the cut chips to a desired chip collection
location.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Various conventional stump grinders with chip guard
devices/systems exist. For example, the Carlton SP5014 TRX Series
Track-Mounted Stump Cutter includes a chip guard. However, the chip
guard of this stump cutter is only configured to partially contain
the cut chips and stones in the working/cutting area and prevent
the cut chips from spreading too far from the cut area, and end up
recutting and regrinding the chips. The chips cut by this stump
cutter (and all other conventional stump cutters with chip guard
devices/systems) cannot be captured and controlled/directed to a
desired chip collection location.
[0004] Accordingly, the inventor recognized that there is a need in
the art for improved stump grinder chip chute devices and systems
for capturing chips cut from a stump by a stump grinding/cutting
wheel and controlling/directing the cut chips to a desired chip
collection location.
[0005] Description of the Related Art Section Disclaimer: To the
extent that specific patents/publications/products are discussed
above in this Background Section or elsewhere in this Application,
these discussions should not be taken as an admission that the
discussed patents/publications/products are prior art for patent
law purposes. For example, some or all of the discussed
patents/publications/products may not be sufficiently early in
time, may not reflect subject matter developed early enough in time
and/or may not be sufficiently enabling so as to amount to prior
art for patent law purposes. To the extent that specific
patents/publications/products are discussed above in this
Background Section and/or throughout the application, the
descriptions/disclosures of which are all hereby incorporated by
reference into this document in their respective entirety(ies).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present disclosure is directed to inventive devices and
systems structured and/or configured to work with and harness the
energy in chips cut from a stump by a stump grinding/cutting wheel.
A particular non-limiting goal of the utilization of the
embodiments and implementations herein is to provide a device and
system which is structured and/or configured to capture chips cut
from a stump by a stump grinding/cutting wheel, harnessing the
energy in the cut chip imparted by the stump grinding wheel, and
control/direct the cut chips to a desired chip collection location
such as a bin or other collection receptacle.
[0007] It is a primary object and advantage of an embodiment of the
present invention to contain the cut chips by creating a sufficient
seal on the proximal end of the chip chute system, and controlling
and directing the chips to a particular collection bin or target
location on the distal/discharge end of the chip chute system. The
better the seal and control/direction of the cut chips, the less
time a user needs to spend on cleaning up scattered chips not
positioned in a collection bin location (compare to the
conventional chip guard systems, where the chips are scattered and
need to be cleaned/picked up and moved to a collection location
after a stump is cut/ground). In addition to minimizing clean up
time, the chip chute system of an embodiment helps maintain a clear
view of the stump being cut, and can better protect the stump
cutting wheel by allowing a user to avoid rocks and other hard
material in the ground near the stump being cut (as opposed to
conventional chip guard systems that spray cut chips right in the
work area masking any such damaging material).
[0008] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the
foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater
detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent)
are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter
disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed
subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are
contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter
disclosed herein. It should also be appreciated that terminology
explicitly employed herein that also may appear in any disclosure
incorporated by reference should be accorded a meaning most
consistent with the particular concepts disclosed herein.
[0009] The details of one or more embodiments are described below
and in the accompanying drawings. Other objects and advantages of
the present invention will be apparent from and elucidated with
reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The present invention will be more fully understood and
appreciated by reading the following Detailed Description in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying
drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the disclosed
subject matter and are therefore not to be considered limiting of
its scope, for the disclosed subject matter may admit to other
equally effective embodiments.
[0011] Reference is now made briefly to the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0012] FIGS. 1A-F are various schematic representation views of a
stump grinding wheel with a chip chute system according to an
embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a digital photograph of the stump grinding wheel
with the chip chute system of FIGS. 1A-F attached to and being
maneuvered by a movable machine according to an embodiment.
[0014] FIGS. 3A-D are side schematic representation views of the
stump grinding wheel with the chip chute system of FIGS. 1A-F
according to an embodiment.
[0015] FIGS. 4A-C are various schematic representation views of the
stump grinding wheel used in conjunction with the chip chute system
of FIGS. 1A-F according to an embodiment.
[0016] FIGS. 5A-B are various schematic representation views of the
stump grinding wheel with the chip chute system of FIGS. 1A-F
according to an embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 6A is a side schematic representation view of a stump
grinding wheel with a chip chute system, and FIG. 6B is an exploded
section view of sectioned portion "C" of FIG. 6A, according to an
embodiment.
[0018] FIGS. 7A-C are various schematic representation views of a
stump grinding wheel with a chip chute system according to an
alternative embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a side schematic representation view of a stump
grinding wheel with a chip chute system according to an alternative
embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a side schematic representation view of a stump
grinding wheel with a chip chute system according to an alternative
embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a side schematic representation view of a stump
grinding wheel with a chip chute system according to an alternative
embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a side schematic representation view of a stump
grinding wheel with a chip chute system according to an alternative
embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a side schematic representation view of a stump
grinding wheel with a chip chute system according to an alternative
embodiment.
[0024] Where applicable, like reference characters designate
identical or corresponding components and units throughout the
several views, which are not to scale unless otherwise indicated.
Moreover, the embodiments disclosed herein may include elements
that appear in one or more of the several views or in combinations
of the several views.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0025] Aspects of the present invention and certain features,
advantages, and details thereof, are explained more fully below
with reference to the non-limiting examples illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. Descriptions of well-known structures are
omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the invention in detail.
It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and
the specific non-limiting examples, while indicating aspects of the
invention, are given by way of illustration only, and are not by
way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions,
and/or arrangements, within the spirit and/or scope of the
underlying inventive concepts will be apparent to those skilled in
the art from this disclosure.
[0026] As further background information helpful to understanding
this detailed description, the cut material (including cut stump
chips) in stump grinding starts out more wood then soil depending
on how high off the ground the stump is. As stump grinding moves
below ground level, the cut material becomes more soil than wood.
The "chip" or cut material will vary with the type and age of the
tree (i.e., dry and crumbly to wet, sappy & sticky). The soil
can range from desert dry and dust-like to wet, sticky clay. The
shape of the wood chip portion of the cut material can be chunks a
quarter of the size of a postage stamp. The wood chip could also be
a foot long and 2 inches wide depending on the type of cutting
tooth, machine Horsepower, moisture level and type of tree. The cut
material will typically travel in a straight line as it leaves the
cut. The "chip" or cut material can act like a feather or to the
other extreme like a rock (and can be a rock) or a baseball or an
even worse combination like sticky gum. The cut material can be a
combination of soil and wood. Depending on this combination of
variables and the speed of the wheel, the "chip" will travel a
short distance of a few inches to as much as a few hundred feet.
The "chip" or cut material will travel in continued motion if a
"seal" is maintained; if the seal is interrupted then
re-established the "chip" can be picked up by the spinning wheel
and moved again or put back into motion (as described further
herein).
[0027] As should be understood with a review of this disclosure and
the accompanying drawings, a chip chute system of an embodiment of
the present invention has a collection or proximal/first end (end
positioned closest to the ground when in use) that is structured
and configured to collect chips cut by a stump grinding wheel and
to harness the energy of the cut chips exiting the wheel at an
initial wheel exit point. The proximal end of the chip chute system
is structured and configured to harness the energy of the cut
chips, in part, by creating at least a partial "seal" at the (or
close to) the initial wheel exit point (which can be at least 50%
and preferably above 70% of the cut chips, as should be understood
by a person of ordinary skill in the art in conjunction with a
review of this disclosure), funnel the cut chips (which can be at
least 50% and preferably above 70% of the cut chips) back toward
the stump cutting tooth assemblies positioned on the stump grinding
wheel, trap the chips against or close to the wheel, and direct the
cut chips to the next portion within the chip chute system and
eventually to the exit point and out of the chip chute system. The
chip chute system of an embodiment of the present invention can
also have a second or middle portion and a distal/third or exit end
(end opposite the proximal/first end). Each of the second and third
ends can be (but don't have to be) structured and configured to be
adjustable to aim chips cut by the stump grinding wheel at a
particular targeted location for collection (e.g., a bin positioned
in front of, behind, above or to either side of the stump grinding
wheel with a chip chute system--see, e.g., FIG. 2).
[0028] Turning to FIGS. 1A-F, various schematic representation
views of a stump grinding wheel with a chip chute system 100 are
shown according to an embodiment. In particular, a stump
cutting/grinding wheel 20 is shown with a central longitudinal axis
24 and stump cutting tooth assemblies 22 (which can include any
stump cutting/grinding wheel with stump cutting tooth assemblies,
as should be understood by those of skill in the art, including,
for example, the stump cutting tooth assembly and stump cutting
wheel shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,584,717) attached to
the perimeter and/or to the sides thereof. The "footprint" of at
least some of the cutting bits of the stump cutting tooth
assemblies 22 can be at least partially shielded by a "footprint"
of the perimeter 700 of the stump grinding wheel 20, or a
"footprint" of a specific shield assembly 710 placed in "front" (as
determined by the direction of the spin of the wheel) of the stump
cutting tooth assemblies 22 on the perimeter (extending a
particular radial/axial distance from a surface of the wheel or as
compared to other surfaces of the wheel) of the wheel or on the
side 720 (extending a particular axial distance from the side of
the wheel) of the wheel (depending on whether the stump cutting
tooth assemblies 22 are placed on the side of the wheel or on the
perimeter of the wheel), as should be understood by a person of
ordinary skill in the art in conjunction with a review of this
disclosure. A chip chute system 10 is shown positioned partially
around the stump cutting wheel 22, and the chip chute system 10 is
connected to the stump cutting wheel 20 via at least one bar 18
and/or 19 or the frame of a "stand behind" or other machine that
can maneuver the stump grinding wheel with the chip chute system
100, as should be understood by a person of skill in the art in
conjunction with a review of this disclosure (see FIG. 2, showing
the stump grinding wheel with the chip chute system 100 attached
and being maneuvered by a movable machine 200). The other bar can
attached to an arm or other portion of a "stand behind" or other
machine that can maneuver the stump grinding wheel with the chip
chute system 100. The frame of a "stand behind" or other machine
that can maneuver the stump grinding wheel with the chip chute
system 100 can also be structured and configured to include part of
the chip chute system, as described herein (see FIG. 12 and related
description below).
[0029] Referring still to FIGS. 1A-F, the chip chute system 10 can
include (but is not limited to) a first or proximal portion 12
(closest to the ground during use), a second or middle portion 14,
and a third or distal/exit portion 16. The second 14 and third 16
portions can be one single portion (or there can be just one
proximal portion and one distal portion with no middle portion).
This first portion 12 is structured and configured to collect chips
cut by the stump grinding wheel 20 and to harness the energy of the
cut chips exiting the wheel 20 at an initial wheel exit point "X"
(see FIG. 1F, where the wheel is spinning counterclockwise and
cutting a stump "S"). The chip chute system 10 is structured and
configured to harness the energy of the cut chips, in part, by
creating at least a partial "seal" at the (or close to) the initial
wheel exit point "X" (as should be understood by a person of
ordinary skill in the art in conjunction with a review of this
disclosure), funneling the cut chips back toward the stump cutting
tooth assemblies 22 positioned on the stump grinding wheel 20,
trapping the chips against or close to the wheel 20 or in the air
stream generated by the spinning wheel 20, until the chips exit the
distal end of the third portion 16 of the chip chute system 10. The
most proximal portion of the first end 12 can have an opening with
an area that is larger than another portion of the chip chute
system positioned distally of the first end 12 to enable collection
of more chips and the creation of a better seal (i.e., can be
funnel shaped). The most proximal portion can be angled close to
the cut, and even be positioned in a plane that is perpendicular to
the travel of the chip post-cut. Further, the distance between
where the chip exits the cut and enters the first end 12 can be
from 0 inches to 5 inches, and preferably 0 inches to 3 inches. The
bigger the wheel 20, the larger acceptable distance to maintain the
seal. The most proximal seal portion can also be a combination of
flexible and fixed material (e.g., metal and rubber). The chip
chute system 10 may have a manual override mechanism to break the
seal and allow material to pass by lifting proximal end 12 away
from the location where the chip exits the cut (mechanical, e.g.,
via wires mechanical linkage, ball joints, hydraulic/pneumatic
cylinders, servos, electro-magnetic, and/or electronically
controlled, as should be understood by a person of skill in the art
in conjunction with a review of this disclosure). As shown, the
chip chute system 10 is preferably three sided and open toward the
wheel as opposed to being fully enclosed (e.g., a pipe), although
it can have a bottom and be shaped like a pipe. The three-sided
embodiment allows for natural cleaning of the inside of the chip
chute system 10 by the wheel 20 with the assistance of gravity.
[0030] The first portion 12 can (but does not have to) move or
telescope within middle portion 14 (or vice versa) in order to
allow the first portion to easily follow the contour of the ground
without breaking. Each bar 18 and 19 can pivot at the central axis
point 24, and move up and down with the first portion 12. This
structural configuration assists with the maintenance of the seal,
described above. Moreover, the chip chute system 10 can be
contoured and positioned tight around the stump grinding wheel
(preferably where at least one cutting tooth is immediately
adjacent to the internal surface of the chip chute system 10, or
within a tooth length of the internal surface (see FIG. 4C for an
example tooth length), or touching the internal surface, or at
least touching or immediately adjacent to a boundary layer 30 of
packed chips and soil, clay (earth) etc. formed on the internal
surface of the chip chute system 10 (see, e.g., FIG. 5), where the
cutting teeth impart energy to the chips so that the chips can
harness and maintain energy received from the wheel 20 through the
trip through the chip chute system 10, or form a fairly smooth
channel through the boundary layer 30 for cut chips to move through
and out from with minimally reduced energy and speed that has been
imparted in the chips). If there is a boundary layer, the internal
surface of the chip chute system 10 can be positioned further away
from the perimeter of the wheel 20 or closest stump cutting tooth
assembly positioned on the perimeter of the wheel 20. This
structural configuration keeps the chip close to the stump grinding
wheel 20 and assists with the harnessing/maintaining of the energy
of the chip received from the stump grinding wheel 20, described
above. A boundary layer will be less likely to form if the chip
chute system 10 is further away from the wheel, and/or if the cut
chips are very dry.
[0031] In addition, a portion of the chip chute system 10 or the
chip chute system 10 as a whole can include an
articulation/steering control assembly (mechanical, e.g., via wires
mechanical linkage, ball joints, hydraulic/pneumatic cylinders,
servos, electro-magnetic, and/or electronically controlled, as
should be understood by a person of skill in the art in conjunction
with a review of this disclosure). For example, the middle portion
14 can move left and/or right and up and/or down via a hinged or
other like connection (e.g., radial adjustment, pivoting) to first
portion 12. Alternatively or additionally, third portion 16 can
move left and/or right and up and/or down via a hinged or other
like connection (e.g., radial adjustment, pivoting) to middle
portion 14. This steering control assembly is thus structured and
configured to be adjustable to aim chips cut by the stump grinding
wheel at a particular targeted location for collection (e.g., a bin
positioned in front of (see, e.g., FIG. 2), behind, above or to the
side of the stump grinding wheel with a chip chute system).
Alternatively, the chip chute system can be made of one fixed or
multiple fixed parts, and include a flap at the proximal, middle
and/or distal ends to control and direct the flow and discharge of
the chips. The chip chute system can include a smooth internal
surface that can also be lubricated with any known lubricant (as
should be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art in
conjunction with a review of this disclosure).
[0032] Turning to FIGS. 3A-B, in one embodiment, side schematic
representation views of the stump grinding wheel with a chip chute
system 100 are shown. FIG. 3A shows the second 14 and third 16
portions pivoted up at the position between the first 12 and the
second portions 14. FIG. 3B shows the second 14 and third 16
portions pivoted back down at the position between the first 12 and
the second portions 14.
[0033] Turning to FIGS. 3C-D, in one embodiment, side schematic
representation views of the stump grinding wheel with a chip chute
system 100 are shown. FIG. 3A shows the third 16 portion pivoted up
at the position between the third 16 and the second portions 14.
FIG. 3B shows the third 16 portion pivoted back down at the
position between the third 16 and the second portions 14.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 4A-C, in one embodiment, various
schematic representation views of a stump grinding wheel 20 without
the chip chute system are shown. FIG. 4A shows a perspective
schematic representation view of the stump grinding wheel 20
rotating in the clockwise direction against a stump "S". FIG. 4B
shows a side schematic representation view of the stump grinding
wheel 20 rotating in the clockwise direction, and the ground, the
normal stump cutting quadrant of the stump grinding wheel 20 (which
can be more than one quadrant as should be understood by those of
skill in the art in conjunction with a review of this disclosure),
the normal chip direction, the x, y, and z axes, the wheel radius
length, and the 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 wheel radius length down from the
midway point plane "M" of the wheel. FIG. 4C shows a perspective
schematic representation view of the stump grinding wheel 20 with a
tooth width and tooth length measurements. This is a configuration
where the chip chute system 10 can be the narrowest. The cut width
can be different if the teeth are positioned on the side of the
wheel 20, and not (or in addition to) the perimeter, and the chip
chute system width would necessarily need to be wider to
accommodate the difference in total tooth width.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 5A-B, in one embodiment, various
schematic representation views of a stump grinding wheel with a
chip chute system 100 are shown. FIG. 5A shows a side schematic
representation view of the stump grinding wheel 20 rotating in the
clockwise direction against a stump "S" along with the cut
direction, and with the chip chute system 10 presented in a
transparent view over the wheel 20. The transparent chip chute
system 10 allows viewing of the stump cutting tooth assemblies 22
positioned, and the chips entering and the boundary layer 30
formed, within the chip chute system 10. As discussed above, a nice
and tight boundary layer allows the wheel 20 to form a channel with
the boundary layer surrounding the channel very close to or
touching the wheel, or highest positioned tooth on the perimeter of
the wheel, to maintain the energy in the chip through the chip
chute system 10 based on (or obtained from) the spinning wheel.
Also, as shown, the proximal end of the first portion 12 of the
chip chute system 10 is positioned at 3/4 wheel radius below the
midpoint plane of the stump grinding wheel 20. This allows for the
generation of the seal, discussed above, while at the same time
provides some clearance for an uneven ground. FIG. 5B shows a
perspective schematic representation view of the stump grinding
wheel 20. A cutting width and a cutting length are also shown. The
furthest away from the wheel the chip chute system 10 can be as
still work effectively is a function the creation and maintenance
of the energy imparted to the chip by the wheel (the closer the
chip is kept to the wheel by the chip chute system 10, the better
maintenance and control of the energy imparted to the chip), and
can also be based on the creation of a sufficient boundary layer
(the closer the distance between the boundary layer and the
perimeter of the wheel 20 or tooth assemblies 22, the more likely
the created channel will be tight on the wheel, as discussed
above).
[0036] Turning to FIG. 6A, a side schematic representation view of
a stump grinding wheel with a chip chute system 100 is shown. FIG.
6B shows an exploded section view of sectioned portion "C" of FIG.
6A. These figures show a transparent chip chute system 10
positioned over the stump grinding wheel 20, where the stump
cutting tooth assemblies 22 can be seen positioned within the chip
chute system 10.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 7A-C, in an alternative embodiment,
various schematic representation views of a stump grinding wheel
with a chip chute system 100' are shown. FIGS. 7A and 7B show the
stump grinding wheel rotating against a stump "S" in a
counterclockwise direction. FIG. 7B shows a chip chute system 10'
positioned partially around the stump grinding wheel 20 and
pointing at a target in the opposite direction as compared to the
previous figures. FIG. 7C is another perspective view of the stump
grinding wheel 20.
[0038] Additional alternative embodiments of the stump grinding
wheel with a chip chute system as discussed below. These
embodiments contain different structural configurations, together
with some of the same structural configurations as discussed above.
All of the structure and/or functionality discussed above with
respect to the formation of the seal, adjustability of the chip
chute system, and other unique configurations, apply equally to the
embodiments discussed below (and vice versa).
[0039] Turning to FIG. 8, a side schematic representation view of
an alternative embodiment of the stump grinding wheel with a chip
chute system 201 is shown. A stump grinding wheel 220 with stump
cutting tooth assemblies 222 are shown with a guard device 213
(shown in a transparent view) positioned at least partially around
the wheel, at least on a side that is opposite the wheel's cutting
section. Positioned adjacent and proximally to the wheel 222 and
guard section 213 is the chip chute system 210 (shown in a
transparent view, and which can also be attached directly to the
wheel 222 at or near the central axis or indirectly to the wheel by
being attached to the guard section 213, which can be attached to
the wheel at or near the central axis, or other location as should
be understood by a person of skill in the art in conjunction with a
review of this disclosure). This chip chute system 210 is open to
capture cute chips at its proximal end 212, and is configured to
form a seal etc. (as discussed with respect to other embodiments
above), and is enclosed (e.g., tubular-shaped, pipe-shaped) above
the proximal end between position 217 and the distal end 216. The
distal end is open at its most distal end for chips to exit. This
embodiment of the chip chute system 210 can be adjustable at
jointed or other sections like previously discussed embodiments,
including at the flap or rotatable damper elements shown at the
distal end 216 of the chip chute system 210. Further, the chip
chute system 210 can be connected to the frame of a "stand behind"
or other machine at 214 that can maneuver the stump grinding wheel
with the chip chute system 201, as should be understood by a person
of skill in the art in conjunction with a review of this
disclosure.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 9, a side schematic representation view of
an alternative embodiment of the stump grinding wheel with a chip
chute system 300 is shown. This embodiment is very similar to the
embodiment shown and described with respect to FIG. 8. The only
difference is the chip chute system 310 is open on the side facing
the wheel 322. Otherwise, a stump grinding wheel 320 with stump
cutting tooth assemblies 322 are shown with a guard device 313
(shown in a transparent view) positioned at least partially around
the wheel, at least on a side that is opposite the wheel's cutting
section. Positioned adjacent and proximally to the wheel 322 and
guard section 313 is the chip chute system 310 (shown in a
transparent view, and which can also be attached directly to the
wheel 322 at or near the central axis or indirectly to the wheel by
being attached to the guard section 313, which can be attached to
the wheel at or near the central axis, or other location as should
be understood by a person of skill in the art in conjunction with a
review of this disclosure). This chip chute system 310 is open to
capture cute chips at its proximal end 312, and is configured to
form a seal etc. (as discussed with respect to other embodiments
above). The distal end 316 has an opening at its most distal end
for chips to exit. This embodiment of the chip chute system 310 can
be adjustable at jointed or other sections like previously
discussed embodiments, including at the flap or rotatable elements
shown at the square-shaped distal end 316 of the chip chute system
310. Further, the chip chute system 310 can be connected to the
frame of a "stand behind" or other machine at 314 that can maneuver
the stump grinding wheel with the chip chute system 300, as should
be understood by a person of skill in the art in conjunction with a
review of this disclosure.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 10, a side schematic representation view
of an alternative embodiment of the stump grinding wheel with a
chip chute system 400 is shown. This embodiment is very similar to
the embodiments shown and described with respect to FIGS. 8 and 9.
The only major difference is the inclusion of a mechanism
(mechanical and/or electromechanical, described generally above)
such as a paddle wheel/wiper/booster 415 in the distal end 416 of
the chip chute system 410 to assist with the movement of the chips
out the distal end of the distal end 416 of the chip chute system
410. The chip chute system 410 can be open on the side facing the
wheel 422 (like in FIG. 8), or can be closed at a position distally
of the proximal end 412 to the distal end 416 (like in FIG. 9).
Otherwise, a stump grinding wheel 420 with stump cutting tooth
assemblies 422 are shown with a guard device 413 (shown in a
transparent view) positioned at least partially around the wheel,
at least on a side that is opposite the wheel's cutting section.
Positioned adjacent and proximally to the wheel 422 and guard
section 413 is the chip chute system 410 (shown in a transparent
view, and which can also be attached directly to the wheel 422 at
or near the central axis or indirectly to the wheel by being
attached to the guard section 413, which can be attached to the
wheel at or near the central axis, or other location as should be
understood by a person of skill in the art in conjunction with a
review of this disclosure). This chip chute system 410 is open to
capture cute chips at its proximal end 412, and is configured to
form a seal etc. (as discussed with respect to other embodiments
above). The distal end 416 has an opening at its most distal end
for chips to exit. This embodiment of the chip chute system 410 can
be adjustable at jointed or other sections like previously
discussed embodiments, including at the flap or rotatable elements
shown at the distal end 416 of the chip chute system 410. Further,
the chip chute system 410 can be connected to the frame of a "stand
behind" or other machine at 414 that can maneuver the stump
grinding wheel with the chip chute system 400, as should be
understood by a person of skill in the art in conjunction with a
review of this disclosure.
[0042] Turning to FIG. 11, a side schematic representation view of
an alternative embodiment of the stump grinding wheel with a chip
chute system 500 is shown. This embodiment shows a chip chute
system 510 (shown in a transparent view) attached to the stump
grinding wheel 520 at or near its central axis, and covering the
majority of the stump grinding wheel 520 to improve the seal
capability (with the proximal/bottom portion 512 enclosing the
bottom portion of the wheel in rubber, metal, polymer, plastic or
other material (as should be appreciated by those of skill in the
art in conjunction with a review of this disclosure)) to enclose
and seal the bottom portion of the wheel 520 in the proximal end
512 of the chip chute system 510 or seal the bottom portion of the
wheel 520 to the ground (if the proximal end of the proximal end
512 of the chip chute system 510 is not fully enclosed) to capture
and lead as many of the cut chips in the chip chute system 510 as
possible. For example, as shown, the proximal end 512 of the chip
chute system 510 is structured to be positioned adjacent to the
cut, and the distal portion 516 is structured to be positioned
almost directly above the proximal portion so that only 1/4 to 1/3
of the wheel 520 is outside of the coverage of the chip chute
system 510. This chip chute system 510 embodiment can be
adjustable, as discussed with respect to previously discussed
embodiments. Further, the chip chute system 510 can be connected to
the frame of a "stand behind" or other machine that can maneuver
the stump grinding wheel with the chip chute system 500, as should
be understood by a person of skill in the art in conjunction with a
review of this disclosure.
[0043] Turning to FIG. 12, a side schematic representation view of
an alternative embodiment of the stump grinding wheel with a chip
chute system 600 is shown. This embodiment shows the chip chute
system 610 (shown in a transparent view) as part of the structure
of frame of a "stand behind" or other machine 650 with wheels or
moveable tread 652 that can maneuver the stump grinding wheel with
the chip chute system 600. The chip chute system 610 can be part of
a frame 626 that can be attached to the machine 650 at one or more
connection points 628, 630. One or more of these connection points
can be structured and configured to move the stump grinding wheel
with a chip chute system 600 in any and all directions. As with
other stump grinding wheel with a chip chute system embodiments
discussed herein, the chip chute system 610 can include a proximal
end 612 (which can form a seal etc.) and a distal end 616 where cut
chips exit, where the distal end (and other portions of the chip
chute system 610) can be adjustable. This particular embodiment
shows the chip chute system 610 covering a majority of the wheel
620 and stump cutting tooth assemblies 622, but it does not have
to. Additionally, a moveable section 620 is show, which is
structured and configured to rotate at the central axis of the
wheel 620 and move the proximal end 612 closer to or further away
from the cut position "X."
[0044] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be
understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in
documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of
the defined terms.
[0045] While various embodiments have been described and
illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily
envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing
the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the
advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or
modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the embodiments
described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and
configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that
the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations
will depend upon the specific application or applications for which
the teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize,
or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation,
many equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein. It
is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are
presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the
appended claims and equivalents thereto, embodiments may be
practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed.
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each
individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method
described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such
features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if
such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods
are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0046] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "comprise" (and any form of comprise, such as
"comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and any form of have, such
as, "has" and "having"), "include" (and any form of include, such
as "includes" and "including"), and "contain" (any form of contain,
such as "contains" and "containing") are open-ended linking verbs.
As a result, a method or device that "comprises", "has", "includes"
or "contains" one or more steps or elements. Likewise, a step of
method or an element of a device that "comprises", "has",
"includes" or "contains" one or more features possesses those one
or more features, but is not limited to possessing only those one
or more features. Furthermore, a device or structure that is
configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but
may also be configured in ways that are not listed.
[0047] The corresponding structures, materials, acts and
equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the
claims below, if any, are intended to include any structure,
material or act for performing the function in combination with
other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of
the present invention has been presented for purposes of
illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive
or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many
modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the
invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best
explain the principles of one or more aspects of the invention and
the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill
in the art to understand one or more aspects of the present
invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are
suited to the particular use contemplated.
* * * * *